Printing-plate holder.



PATBNTBD JAN. 3o, 1906.

3 SHEETS-'SHEET l.

C. P. RDCKSTROH.

PRINTING PLATE HOLDER.

APPLIUATION ULEB 11130.21, 1903.

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PATENTED JAN. 30, 1906.

0. F.` RQCKSTROH. PRINTING PLATE HOLDER.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 21, 1903.

3 SHEETS- SHEET 2.

PATBNTED JAN. so, 1906.

o. F. ROGKSTROH. PRINTING PLATE HOLDER.

APPLIUATION FILED DEBO.21, 1903.

U'NiTnii STATES PATENT onirica.

CHARLES EA ROOKSTROH, O F BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO ROCKSTROH AIANUFACTUBING COMPANY, OF BROOKLYN, NEW

YORK, A OORPORATlO OF NEW JERSEY;

PRINTING-PLATE HOLDER.

" resident of Brooklymin the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented'certain new and useful Improvements in Printing-Plate Holders, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an improved holder for stereotype, electrotype, or other printing-plates by which any-sized lates can e securely held for printing, an( asniore fully described in a similar invention of mine for which Letters Patent of the United States were granted to me on January 26, 1904, for

an improvement in printingplate hfolders,

N o. 750,395, and in m other application for Letters Patent of theb'nited States for a similar invention, Serial No. 178,885, dated October 28, 1903, and to which'reference is hereby made. i The invention consists of a printing-plate holder having parallel slots in its upper surface at right angles with its edges and spaced apart corresponding to the point system of type measurement, and in providing therefor suitable plate-cla-m devices and also detachable, solid, and adjustable expansible platespaeers adapted to iit between and engage with the plates and fill the spaces between the latter, and being provided with means by which they bind in the slots in the holder and are held in position thereon and also secure the plates thereto. Y v l My object is to provide a plate-holder having means by which such plates can be quickly and securely attached in any position thereon and laterally adjusted and alined with great accuracy and so the width of the spaces between the plates can be regulated and the plates secured lin any' desired position to the holder.

This is a. division of thel application Serial No. 178,885, datedOctober 28. 1903, and relates more particularly to the plate-spacers as used with in v improved holder und with the other accompanying deviees referred to therein and as more particularly pointed out in the claims.

The nature and objects ol' this invention are more fully explained iii thfollowing Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 30, 1906.

l Original application filed October 28, 1903, Serial No. 178,886. Divided andtliis application iiled December 21, 1903. Serial No. 186.143

specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a part thereof, and in which similar letters refer to similar parts in the several views.

tween two pairs of the smaller-sized plates i thereon. Fig.'2'is a top or plan View of a fullsized section of a holder, showing plates thereon having grooved edges and which are held to the holder by the clamps and also -held and separated from each other by the solid and adjustable spacers. Fig. 3 is a vertical seetional view Ion the line a b in Fig. 2 and showing three expansible spacers in side elevation and end view of the upper portions of two other spacers and between the plates. 'Figs 4 and. 5, respectively, are side and top sectional enlarged views of A the expansible spacers. Figs. 6 and 7 are perspective views of solid spacers with one tongue and two tongues, respectively. Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional elevation of a part of a curved plate-holder, showing one of my improved 4plate-clam s and three of the spacers and with the pliates curved as upon a printingpress cylinder. I

In the drawings, A A are sections of the plate holder, having the verticaLY-shapcd slots A A3 twelve points or one pi ea wide and forty-eight points or four picas between eenters opening in from the top A4 of theliolder and having side grooves A5 Af.

B B represent plates secured to the holder bythe clamps C C, the edges B B of which are beveled and the lips C shaped to lit' down upon vthe edges of the plates. The lower ortioii'()2 of each clamp C is threaded latera ly to iit the screw l), having the pinion D secured thereto (or iliade integral therewith) near the lie-ad D2. has also a threaded connection with the. tuinbler E and is provided with a washer F and ji'iurnal-bloek li" and all ol such d'iiuensieus that, the whole device'ean be dropped freely into the slots A2 A3 or ren'iovable therefrom, as desired. A rack-bar with a handle er a wrench or any' other suitable tool tlziil will.-

mesh with pinions D D of the clamp-screws The 'screw l) D D will turn the screws when they are in Y the slots, thereby causing the tumblers to engage-therein, andthe plates can thus be secured to, adjusted o n, or removed from the holder. The clamp C may have a swivelconnection with the. threaded portion C2* justing the clggmp against the plate. When A the tumbler' 1s 1n such a position,V the screw D and the clam E cannot come jout 'of theslot, while the ip C of the clam C 'will draw down theplate upon theV ho der and hold it firmly thereon. The washerF betwee'n the pinion D. and the head D2 of the screw D is larger than the pinion and may be of any desired shape, takes the back thrust of the screw, ro'vides a smooth seat for the 'pinion to wor against, 'and keeps the pinion clear of the bottom of the slot. The journalblock F', in which the head of the screw D is loosely fitted, also supports thehead D2 in theslot, takes the lateral thrust of theA4 rackbar. When used with a curved plate-holder, the under surface of the clamp and the upper surface of the .tumbler can be curved to bring their points of bearing against the bottom o'- the slot and .the upper -surface of the side groove to suit the change of position of the -screw as it is rotated therein and as the clam and tumbler move along the screw to and rom its head and as seen in Fig.`8. The head of the screw and washer can have their external surfaces convex to allow the screw to swing up and down in the slot.' The bottom of the cl mp rests upon the bottom of the'slot and s pports the screw in that direction. The clamps are inserted into the slots where the latter intersect in the holder.

G represents a solid spacer having tongues.

G G and V-shaped to correspond with' the Y shape of the slots in the holder and int-o which they loosely fit when so used,' as seen in Figs. 3 and 8. These spacers may be of any desired length orthickness and may have only one tongue, as in Fig. 6, two in Fig. 7, or more. In Fig. 21a spacer with two tongues is indicated, showing how the tongues register with the slots in the holden- These tongues G each coniprise-a shank connected to the plate and adapted to extend down into `the ri-shaped grooves of the printing-plate holder and a part broadened to conform generally to the undercut. V-shapcd grooves and which broadened part provides shoulders for effecting the attachment or connection of the spacer to the plate-holder.

spacer G2, havingtheir upper extremities G"` G0 shaped so that together they' form a d ovetail in cross-section and which, may be eX- panded by means of the wedge G", having a rib G to fit in a corresponding groove G'Vin the section G3 and having a limiting-pin GS, which moves in a corresponding groove Gin the other section G. A screw Gf", threaded in the section G* and passing through the otherisection G, holds the two parts loosely together, and a spring Gl between the head G12 of-the screw G10' and the adjacent section l vG3 provides a spring tension to hold the two sections -together and against 'the wedge G5. .A dowel-pin GrI3 in the lower extremities Gv -G15 of the sections also keeps" them together. The section G'hasa lateral projecting lug G, which extends'unde'r a platev when on a holder,-preventing the spacer from coming out even when at a point where two' slots cross eachother. This expansible spacer is shown in Fig. 4 and betweenand holding two plates B5 B5 and all being shown sectionally and enlarged. In-Fig. -2 anumber of expansible spacers G G24 are shown between and holdin the plates on the holder.' These plates B5' 5 have a half dovetail groove B 'on their edges B7 B7, vas indicated in. Figs. 3, 4, and 8, and by dotted lines in Fi s. 1 and 2, to correspond with the shape of t e spacers. The wedge G5 of the expansible spacer Gz has a hole, G17 near its large end `G and into which a tool may be inserted and by means of which the wedge G may be moved between the sections in regulating the adjustment of the plate. The expansible spacer acts as a clamp in holding the plate to the holder and also asa spacer in regulating the width ofthe space between the plates.- It

the sides ofthe expansible spacer are made fiat, as indicated bythe dotted lines in Fig. 4, it'acts only as an adjustable spacer between the plates. It can also bev made with one of its sections clamp-shaped and the other flat.

The solid form G of spacer shown sepa- IIO rately in Figs. 6, 7 and in position in Figs. 1

and 2 can be used with the expansible s acer G1, or either form can be used with the c amp devices.

- In Fig. 8 the block A is shown curvedto fit upon the surface of the periphery H of the cylinder H of a' printing-press, a portion of which is shown in section with a por-tion of the 'holder and with two curved plates mounted thereon. Inl this viewtwo of the expansible spacers curved to correpond with the curvature of the plates andI older are shown, and an end view of an Xpansible spacer is shown between the two llates. A-

I lar devices, except in their curved surfaces,

'iOn-headand washer of the screw and the upper'surface of the tumble-,rand lower surface 'of the clamp of a convex-curvature, as indicated-in this ure, (Fig. 8.)

The spacer evices can all be used upon a curved plate-holder by modifyinv their construction to s uit this principle oi? curvature.

The plates may have their edges with a j lain bevel, as seen'in Fig. 1, or with an unde rcut bevel or groove, as seen in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8, and the clamps and spacers can be used equally Well with both forms of plate.

The operation of my improved holder will new be' explained. When a plate is to be mounted u on the holder, the clamps are placed in t 1e slots all complete, as 'seen in Figa 1, 2, 3, and 8, and in an approximately proper distance-apart to take the plates between the clamps. The plate is then placed upon the holder -between the clam s, and the la tter are screwed firmly against t 1e edges of the plate by tur their respective pinons Vby means of a rac -bar or wrench or any z other slntable tool over the pinion or inions ol' the screw or screws to be thus a justed. A printer can thus -close or open the clamps with reference to the plate very uiekly. .When the margin between thel (lates is narrow, b making the screws witll righthand an left-hand threads for opposite plates the release of a number of lates can be effected very rapidly with a ew quick movements of'a hand rack-bar. (A wellknowntool in the trade, so needin no de- Seriptlon here.) When the space )etween the plates is too small to admit of the use of the clamps, the spacers can then be used instead, and a very close ladjustment of the plates can be obtained thereby and as indcated by the arrangement' of the plates, as Seen in Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 8. Both forms of Ihe s acer can be used together also and as seen etween thetwo pairs of plates in the lower left-hand corner ofFig. l and a comparatively wide range of adjustment obtained by theirv use in this way. 'lhe solid spacers can also have their upper portions lmveled to match the bevel of the expansible 1; Spacer when both forms are used together :md which can be understood without illustration'. The slots being at light angles with the edges of the holder enables the pxinter to Set the plates in accurate and correct alinemenl thereon and while in position upon the bed oi a printing-press and which is of great. advantage.' The slots are. arranged in the holder so that they register corresponding to n hat is known as thc point system-v in the printing trade, and the advanta es' of which in adjustin the plates upon a ho der are corresponding f very great. The point system is a standard of measurement of the bodies of type, one point being equal to .0138 of an inch, nonpareil type measuring six points, pica measuring twelve points, and so on. Pica type is the standard unit of measurement in the printing trade for the thickness and length of leads, rules, &c.-as, for instance, a six-to-pica lead, a page twenty-four picas wide, and the like.

zolder are one pica in width and four picas (or forty-eight pointslfrom center to center,

The slots 1n the thus leaving the intervening squares three picas or about. a half-inch in size. If a plate is .to be set on the holder at an cblique angle with the edges of the holder, as shown at B2 in Fig. l, the swivel form of construction of the clamp will ,allow the clamp to adjust itself against the edge of the plateaccordingly andl as several are shown as securing the plate Bz in the holder in Fig. 1.

The advantages of my. improved holder are that it can be made of any. dimensions or shape to suit the size or position in which the plate or plates are to be mounted thereon and that it can be readily m'oved and cleaned, that the construction of the clamps admits of their being adjusted to an position on the holder by simply inserting tliem into the slots where they intersect from the top of the holder and with their automatic tumblerlocking section gives them fine, accurate, and positive lateral adjustment, and that the solid and expansible spacers can likewise be accurately adjusted in their proper and desired position in the slots ,and from the top of the holder and the plates held thereto and spaced apart thereby, the arrangement of the s ots at 1i ht angles with the edges of the holder ang point system of n'leasuren'ient, whic facilitates the adjustment of the plate or plates thereon while being upon the bed of aprintingross. When the plates are t'o be placed so c osely together that the s aces between them are too small to admit o the use ol" the clamp devices thereat, the spacers are used as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 8, and so the plates can be set at any close roximity together. As these spacers can lie of' any desired thickness or length and either solid or expansible and of plain or clamp sha ed construction and can be used with or wit lout the regular clamp devices, as already described, it can be seen that plates can be thereby spaced or clamped as closely together in .with each other and u on the printing therefrom as may beidesire-sl and a comparatively wide range of adjustment obtained as well. lhe wedge means of adjustment of' the width of the ,expansible spacer' being entirely above the surface of the plateholder admits of the 'bringing together, if

winni necessary, of the sections of the spacer, thus minimizing the Width between two plates, which is often very necessary, and which could not be accomplished if the sections of the spacer were expanded by means of a screw, cam, or other mechanical equivalent for the wedge under other conditions and aces an Fig. 8. The

which would be covered up by the Asections of the spacer if located in the slot of the holder (as Would necessarilyhave to bethecase) if those equivalents wereused as means of expanding the sections.

In the piinting or lithographing of labels 'or like work these clamps and spacers are especially adaptable, as close margins and accurate registerand adjustment of the lates are absolutely necessary in this class o work vand to meet the requirements of which these of 'the cylinder of a printing-presser to'comprise sections of the same..

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is- 1. The ex ansible spacer, G3, for a printing-plate ho der having slots therein, having one or more tongues fitted loosely in the slots in the holder and consisting ofthe sections, G3, G, which are loosely connected together, and the wedge, G5, fitted between them 'so as to -give a lateral expansion of dimensions to the spacer, and all combined, as specified.

2. The expans'ible spacer, G2, for a printing-plate holder having slots therein', consisting of the section, Ghaving its upper extremity, G, half dovetail in shape to fit in the clamp-groove, B", of the plate, B5, and having a lateral projection, G, and a dowel-pin,

G13, in its lower extremity, G, which is doweled-in the lower extremity, G, of the corres onding section, G, of the device, which is a so shaped at its upper extremity G dovetail in section to fit in a correspondin groove, B", of the plate, B5, and the wedge, 5, fitted between the two sect-ions, and provided with the rib, G", the limiting-pin, G, and the hole,

G", and the screw, Glf, fitted to the section,

G4, and loosely fitted through the section, G3, and the tension-spring, G, between the seetion, G3, and the screw-head, G12, and all combined, as specified.

' -3. The expansible spacer, G2, for a printing-plate holder having slots therein, consist- 4: eiias ing of the sections, G3, G, and the Wed e, G5, as a means for changing its lateral imensions while in position u on the holder, and all combined, as specified).

4. In a printing-plate holder having under-A cut V-shaped grooves therein, a spacer comprising a plate adapted to set between printing-plates secured to the surf acejof the holder and having tongues each with a shank extending down into and a part broadened to conform generally to said undercut V- sha ed grooves providing shoulders for attac ment of the spacer to the plate-holder.

5. In a curved printing-plate holder having undercut V-shaped rooves therein, a spacer comprising a curve plate adapted to set between curved printinglates secured to the curved surface o'f the holiler, and having tongues each with a shank extending down into, and a part broadened to conform generally to said undercut V-shaped grooves providing shoulders for attachment of the spacer f to the plate-holder. Y

6. An expansible -sectional spacca-for' a curved printing-plate holder, providedwith the ton ue, G', as a means lfor its attachment tothe older and its upper portion being provided with the wed e, G5, as a means for chan ing its thickness aterally, as s ecified.

7. glhe curved expansible spacer, for a Vcurved printing-plate holder, consisting of the sections, G, G4, having the ton e, G', as

a means for its attachment in the s ots therein, and the wedge, G5, for chan ng the lateral dimension of the spacer, and ai; combined, as specified. A

8. In a printing-plate holder,- an expansible spacer consisting of a pair of similar yieldingly-connected members constructed for engageinent with the slot-s of the plate-holder and for opposite contact withA plates to Abe held to theplate-holde'r, and-a-vedge fitted between parts of the spacer to give lateral expansion to the dimensions thereof.

9. The combination with a printing-plate holder having series of undercut slots, of' an expansible spacer, consisting of a pairof simil lar yielding y-connected members having parts adapted to pass into said slots and interlock `therewith and parts adapted to lie above the surface of the printing-plate holder and to engage edge grooves of said printingplates, the inner opposite faces of the latter parts being grooved and a wedge fitting between said latter parts and movable' along said grooves to give lateral expansion to the dimensions thereof.

10. The combination with a printing-plate IOO IOS

IIO

IZO

holder having series of undercut V-shaped slots, of an expansible spacer, consisting of a pair of similar yieldingly-connected members aving tongues adapted to pass down into and broadened to conform geiprally to said slots and interlock therewit and parts elnsee l 5 adapted to lie above the surfaceof the print- Signe. at New Yok, in the county of Newv y ing-plate holder and to engage edge grooves York and State of New York, this 18th day of said printing-plates, the lnner opposite ofDeoember,A.D.1903

faces of the latter parts being grooveo and a CHARLES .l RGCKSTRH. 5 Wedge tting between said latter arts and Witnesses: v

movable along said grooves to give ateral eX- JAMES KToHEN,

panson to the dimensions theeof.' EMMA M. FIELD. 

